It’s summer again. You’re probably panicking because you have no idea what you’re going to do. (As a side note, keep this feeling and thought at the back of your mind, because at age 22, when your child leaves high school and enters adult services, it’ll be for forever, not just a summer)You’re going to need some essentials.

1.Self-Care. You, as primary caregiver, are going to need a minimum of 5 hours for self-care. That’s things like putting gas in the car, buying groceries, catching up on sleep, and at least one hour to do something just for yourself, without any kids in tow. For me, that’s therapy. But it could be walking, crotchet, reading a book, soaking in a tub. Just something that has to do with self-care. Cause when momma/poppa ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. 2.Caregivers versus programs. Who cares for the kids in those 5 hours a week? Maybe you’ve got a willing family member, or maybe not. If not, you’re going to have to either develop some caring friends really quick, or perhaps start budgeting for a regular caregiver. Another option is to utilize summer programs (camps, VBS, etc.) for your needs. For more about summer programs, check out the next blog. 3.One Page. A friend of ours turned us onto the “One Page” – a description of our child that we can give to caregivers, camp and VBS directors, and school system personnel in the fall. It’s been extremely helpful to be able to differentiate how my children’s diagnosis affects how they succeed in new situations. This is one of the best essentials we use during the summertime.

4.Go Bag. This is the bag that’s filled with the stuff you and your family can’t live without. Bug spray, sunblock, wet wipes, Band-Aids, a shelf stable snack, a couple bottles of water, a change of clothes, an extra Visa gift card for when you’ve forgotten your purse, a list of important (caregiver and friend) numbers if you find yourself in a pickle. What are your summertime essentials?

Symposium: http://southsidesymposium.com#S3SympNew! Unlocking Autism has funded a limited number of scholarships. Application below. Please try to register before Monday, 9-22-14 so we have a good head count for meals.

Fall Ball

Fall Baseball registration is open for people with disabilities. The main organizations on the Southside that offer fall ball include:Challenger League (Peachtree City Little League)Miracle League (South Fulton, Fayette County, Lovejoy)Sunshine League (McDonough)

Happenings

Hey, here's what the Southside Calendar looks like for the week. My daughter, Daphne would love if you'd like to come and play with Legos as she tells you all about Minifigures this Sunday.

Symposium

Have a Great Holiday!

You'll be receiving many emails from me today because there's too much going on to fit in just one message.

It's been my experience that once these things are published, you have to sign up immediately in order to ensure a spot. If you don't mind the drive up to Emory, I bet this is a good program (or at least a program with good intentions.)

My name is Mack Schroeder and I am the Vice President of the Best Buddies program at Emory University. We are looking to recruit more participants for next year and I was wondering if you would reach out to some of your families to let them know about Best Buddies. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at this email address or call me at561-308-9669. Here is the information about the program to send out. Thank you!

Program Summary

Best Buddies is an international non-profit organization that promotes the inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At Emory, we pair these individuals in one-to-one friendships ("buddy pairs") with the university students. Each month, we have chapter events where all members of the program meet together. We also encourage our Emory participants to contact their buddies outside of chapter events (through phone, e-mail, etc.) at least twice a month.

Typically, we have one chapter event each month of the school year (September, October, November, possibly December, January, February, March, April). These usually take place on Emory's campus in Druid Hills. Past events include karaoke, soccer, tye-dying, arts and crafts, watching movies, basketball with the Emory basketball team, potlucks, and more. Events are typically two hours and almost all of them are on Sunday afternoons. Our first event will most likely be in late September.

HOPE PARK Miracle League invites us to participate in baseball this Saturday. Please contact Matt Clark directly if you'd like to play ball. It's in LOVEJOY, which means central for Fayette, Clayton, Spalding, and Henry Counties. Play Ball! (But please RSVP with Matt):Hey Raissa,I really appreciate your support and offering to help. The Miracle league is designed for people with disabilities to play baseball. The age, gender, or disability does not matter. Anyone that wants to come is more than welcome.It's this Saturday July 12th at 10:00 am. Casey Motter, the Atlanta Braves Announcer, will be on hand to announce the kids. The kids don't need to bring anything, but they can bring a glove if they want. Parents may want to bring chairs incase we have a lot of visitors and kids. The game is at Foundation Sports. 2497 Lovejoy road lovejoy gaWe would love to have a bunch of kids come out Saturday. They will all receive snacks and a gift or two.Please have them let me know if they plan on coming via email or phone so we are sure to have enough for everyone.Matthew@ourhopepark.com678 8733349If you want to see our vision and what we are working towards having please check out OurHopePark.comWe are working on have over a half an acre all accessible playground a turf field for special needs and much more.Thanks again,Matt----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FYI - if you're interested in fall ball, there are numerous leagues along the Southside. We knowChallenger Baseball (through Peachtree City Little League)Miracle League (in Lovejoy and South Fulton)Sunshine League in Henry CountyI think there's a couple more League teams along the Southside, just haven't met them yet.

----------------------------------------------------------------Play groups this Friday at my house. You're going to have to email or call me for directions - I don't post my address online (I live in Fayetteville, near the hospital). My pool can only hold up to about 5 families comfortably, so RSVP quick. 3PM - younger kids (Elementary and younger) 5PM - everyone. We order/pick up pizza at 6.

I'm still trying to work out details for more play groups for the rest of the summer - it has proven difficult to try to organize since I'm recovering (nicely) from surgery 2 weeks ago. But stay tuned, and watch for pop up play dates on facebook and on the website calendar. www.southsidesupport.org

The next event that we'll be at with Safe Space is the Fayetteville Market Day on July 19. We're always looking for volunteers to help set up, take down, and hang with. "Volunteering" can be as simple as bringing you and the family to the event, and hanging out at the tent for about 30 minutes. Find out more about Safe Space.

See you out there!

About News

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